New York is set to become the largest state in the nation to implement statewide, bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions across all K-12 schools. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new policy as part of the FY 2026 State Budget agreement, with implementation scheduled for the 2025–2026 school year.
The move builds on New York’s broader efforts to protect youth mental health and promote academic success in an increasingly digital world.
What is New York’s new smartphone policy for schools?
Governor Hochul’s distraction-free schools policy creates a consistent statewide standard banning the use of smartphones and internet-enabled personal devices during the entire school day. This restriction applies during all school periods, including classroom time, lunch, and study halls.
The new rules will cover:
- All public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES programs.
- No unauthorized use of smartphones or personal internet devices from the first bell to the last.
- Flexibility for schools to design their own storage and enforcement plans.
Furthermore, the state budget allocates $13.5 million to help schools purchase secure storage solutions for phones.
How will schools implement the smartphone ban?
Schools will be required to create a local implementation plan that:
- Includes input from teachers, parents, and students.
- Provides a secure way for parents to contact students during emergencies.
- Ensures that policies do not lead to inequitable discipline.
Schools have flexibility in how they store phones, whether through lockers, locked pouches, or other systems that suit their individual needs.
Governor Hochul emphasized that while smartphones will be restricted, schools may still allow:
- Use of simple phones without internet access.
- School-provided internet-enabled devices, such as laptops or tablets, used for educational purposes.
- Access for students who require devices for medical reasons, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), translations, or emergencies.
Why is New York banning smartphones during the school day?
Governor Hochul launched this initiative after a statewide listening tour with teachers, students, and parents, followed by the release of the report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools.”
Key findings include:
- Smartphones inhibit creativity, focus, and academic performance.
- Phone-free environments support better mental health for both students and teachers.
- Removing smartphone distractions does not compromise student safety.
- Engagement in school activities like clubs, sports, and arts increases in distraction-free settings.
Governor Hochul stated, “I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York continues to lead the nation on protecting our kids in the digital age.”
What other youth protections has New York implemented?
This new smartphone policy builds on New York’s recent leadership in digital youth protections:
- In 2024, New York passed the Safe for Kids Act, the first law in the nation to restrict addictive social media feeds for minors without parental consent.
- The New York Child Data Protection Act limits how online platforms collect, share, or sell children’s personal data.
- Governor Hochul’s mental health initiatives also include a $1 billion investment statewide, which has funded 71 new school-based mental health clinics since 2024.
These comprehensive actions reinforce the state’s commitment to creating healthier environments for young people both online and in schools.
What leaders and organizations are saying
- New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person praised the move, calling it “pro-childhood” and vital for helping students access their creativity and learning potential.
- Phones Free New York Founder Raj Goyle hailed the change as a courageous step to protect children, stating, “It’s a new day for our kids and teachers alike.”
- Mothers Against Media Addiction Founder Julie Scelfo emphasized the importance of reducing smartphone addiction to support engaged, distraction-free learning.
Even students are speaking out. Anika Bhupati, an 8th-grade student at Farnsworth Middle School, said, “The ‘Bell-to-Bell’ Smartphone Ban has truly transformed our school environment by helping students focus, cultivate meaningful relationships, and renew their commitment to learning.”
Key takeaways
- New York will fully implement statewide, bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.
- Schools will receive $13.5 million to support storage solutions.
- Local plans must involve teachers, parents, and students and ensure equity.
- Exceptions will exist for medical needs, emergencies, and educational tools.
- This initiative builds on New York’s growing national leadership in youth mental health and digital safety.
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